8th Grade Honors Civics: Citizenship, Elections & Political Parties

Citizen

Individual with rights and duties under a government.

Alien

Foreign-born resident not naturalized.

Resident Alien

Foreign-born immigrant living permanently in the U.S.

Nonresident Alien

Foreign individual staying temporarily in the U.S.

Shared Values

Common values of liberty and equality among Americans.

Democratic Role

Citizens influence governance in democracy.

By Birth

Citizenship for those born in the U.S. or to U.S. parents.

Naturalization

Process to become a citizen by meeting legal requirements.

Derivation

Minors gaining citizenship through parents' naturalization.

Naturalization Requirements

18+, lawful resident, English skills, good character.

Participation

Voting and serving on juries.

Representation

Running for federal office.

Protections & Opportunities

Rights like passport travel and job eligibility.

Nomination

Narrowing down candidates for elections.

General Election

Final choice of officeholder by voters.

Self-Announcement

Candidate announces their own candidacy.

Caucus

Private meeting to select candidates.

Petition

Gathering signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Direct Primary

Party election to choose candidates.

Closed Primary

Only party members can vote.

Open Primary

Any qualified voter can participate.

Electoral College

Body that elects the president based on state votes.

Winning Threshold

Majority of 270 electoral votes to win presidency.

Voter Eligibility

Must be 18; rules vary by state.

Non-Voters

Reasons include illness, distrust, or age.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Agency managing federal election laws.

Hard Money

Direct contributions to candidates, regulated by law.

Soft Money

Funds for party activities, less regulated.

Political Parties

Groups seeking to control government through elections.

Major U.S. Parties

Democratic and Republican parties.

First Party System

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists.

Multi-Party System

More representation but less stability.

Minor Parties

Can influence major candidates and issues.